Mixed Media Leather Bracelet

Just when I think I have enough addictions, almost immediately, I want to try something new. ;)

Have you ever riveted something? With pride, I can now say I have. I riveted a leather strap onto a couple spare rings I had in my stash, and added a short strand of chain and glass pearls to finish off this bracelet. I am loving mixed media jewelry – it’s a great way to use up some bits and pieces you love, but can’t do anything with on their own.

The cool thing about mixed media is really – just mix up whatever you’ve got. I started with a strip of leather I picked up on a whim at Hobby Lobby, thinking I’d do something with it. Today was finally the day.

I cut a strip about 1/2 inch wide. On the end, I punched two holes with my leather punch. I’m not sure what size holes these are, 2mm, I think? It was the smallest size hole in the standard punch set.

I added the post half of my rivet on the outside hole. What you’re looking for here is a post that pokes out just enough for both pieces of strap, and also fits the rivet cap. Too much, and it will look sloppy – too little, and you won’t be able to attach the cap.

Then, I added the ring I was riveting around, and pressed the post up through the other hole.

I added the rounded cap of the rivet on top.

To set the rivet, you need a hammer. I placed it curved side down, on the curved cup of the… rivet setter? What do you call that thing, anyway? Basically, there is a curved side and a flat side of the cap part and also the rivet setter tool. All you need to do is matched the curved side with the curved side of the rivet pieces, and the flat side with the flat side.

Now, use a regular hammer, and hammer the rivet pieces together. It took me a good half-dozen taps.

And then… I felt brilliant for having figured it out, though let me admit… it’s not as hard as I thought it would be. :)

For the beaded portion, I used beading wire. I threaded a crimp bead onto the end, and ran the wire around a wire guard. I threaded it back through the crimp bead and crimped it off. I added the beads, and did the same thing on the other side.

I used a length of chain the same length, and attached both strands to the rings on my leather with a jump ring on one side, and a toggle clasp on the other.

It’s not really necessary that you make yours this way – I just want to show you how I put mine together in case you’re looking for some guidance. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have – most of the time, I give detailed instructions on each part, but I was short on photos today after taking my kiddo to the zoo, and I hurried through this at the end of naptime. My apologies to you – but this face? So worth it, today. :)

Anyway – feel free to leave me a comment or message me if you have any questions. I promise, when it come to mixed media – there’s no wrong way to do it. Just experiment and see what you like the looks of!

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Comments

Awwwww, yep that face definitely wins. I find it hard to know how much detail to include in jewelry tutorials because I feel like most everybody knows how to use a crimping bead by now. Know what I mean? :)

I totally know what you mean about seeing a fun new material and immediately having to make something with it! And this bracelet turned out great; it's very nice looking and I love the pearls with the leather :-) Thanks for linking this up to The Fun In Functional!

I think I may have done rivets a long long time ago or was it snaps on a shirt? Lol Anyway I love all the different textures (I guess you call them that) on this bracelet. Leather, beads ,chains just outstanding! Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays!

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Hello, and welcome! I'm Adrianne, an artist, author, designer, and blogger in mid Michigan. I work from home, chase my two kids, and this once-city-girl is learning how to care for chickens and adjusting to life out in the country.
I have a compulsion for daily creativity... sometimes it's jewelry-making, paper crafting, metal stamping, mixing and baking, or giving new life to recycled items. But with 2 young kids, time is short! My goal here at Happy Hour Projects is to share projects and tips that you can do in an hour or less. The ideas you find here are designed to add a little creativity in your day, no matter how much (or how little) time you have!